"TO SHARE -- OR NOT TO SHARE"

Good morning all, it appears that the retailers around the world are attempting to jump start the Christmas/Holiday Season earlier and earlier each year now. It appears that they find and excuse and we just go along with it like dumb sheep, we are being lead around by world circumstances. Why is it that the one thing that we should prepare for we don't, the second coming of Jesus Christ? This week I wish to share my heart, so please be sensitive and let's see where we end up.

It is tempting - especially if we have material wealth -- to cut ourselves off from one another, each taking care of his or her own interests, each providing for and enjoying his or her own little piece of the world. But as part of God's spiritual family, it is our responsibility to help one another in every way possible. You see God's family works best when its members work together, oh that's us you and me.

Have you ever brained stormed as how to stop hunger just in your neighborhood, your city, your country or more importantly around the word? Have you ever thought about how many souls may go to bed hungry? We often ask God to solve a small problem, but he wants to give us a whole new life and help for all our problems. When we ask God for help, he may say, "I've got something even better for you." Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when he gives you what you really need.

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered" (Prov. 21:13). Friends it's important for each of us to go out of our way to meet the need(s) of the poor and less fortunate in order to protect their rights. You never know, we may be in need of such services ourselves someday. Do you remember 1 Samuel 15:22 Samuel said " Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. In other words pious ceremonies or rituals are hollow unless they are performed with an outlook of love and obedience "Being Pious" (going to church, serving on a committee, giving to charity) is not enough if we do not act out of devotion and obedience to God.

A sacrifice was a ritual transition between man and God that physically demonstrated a relationship between them. But if the person's heart was not truly repentant or if he did not truly love God, the sacrifice was a hollow ritual. Sacrifices and Offerings are never to become bribes to make God overlook our character faults. If our lives personal and in business dealings are not characterized by justice, no amount of generosity when the offering plate is handed to you will make up for it.

I was attempting to share some "Food for Thought" until next time.

Jim